Best Horror Movies on HBO Max Right Now (October 2023)

Estimated reading time: 15 minutes

Another streaming platform, another horror catalog that users must sift through for hidden gems. You’d think that an oversaturated streamer market would thin selections between too many providers, but that’s not the case. HBO Max has everything from classics to remakes and whatever’s in between. All the titles that were pulled from Netflix horror movie and Amazon horror movie collections once contracts expired are now back home where they belong.

Since HBO Max is the destination for Warner Brothers content, James Wan’s The Conjuring Universe alone provides a strong horror draw. That’s the game of musical chairs currently at play. Where Netflix once had one, or even both The Conjuring films available to stream, the emergence of HBO Max has stolen away titles not already locked into contracts elsewhere. Diving deeper, let’s look at the growing horror film catalog HBO Max has to offer.

Please note: This list pertains to U.S. HBO Max subscribers. This article is frequently amended to remove films no longer on HBO Max and to include more horror movies that are now available on the service.

Warm Bodies (2013)

Director: Jonathan LevineStars: Nicholas Hoult, Teresa Palmer, Rob Corddry, Dave FrancoRuntime: 98 mins

Jonathan Levine’s mainstream zombie rom-com is a miraculously sweet diversion from typical undead storytelling. Teresa Palmer and Nicholas Hoult confront the awkwardness of forbidden love between a “Corpse” and a living woman. The blend between horror and romance balances genuine feelings with rotten imagery in light doses, since “Boney” zombies that represent the meaner, to-be-feared skeletal zeds aren’t that nightmarish. That’s because this film is always focused on character chemistry between an unlikely couple, which Levine turns into a fresh love letter to a subgenre that can stink of unoriginality.

Young Frankenstein (1974)

Director: Mel BrooksStars: Gene Wilder, Peter Boyle, Marty Feldman, Cloris Leachman, Madeline KahnRuntime: 105 mins

Mel Brooks’ classic monster spoof Young Frankenstein is one of his funniest films thanks to Peter Boyle’s creature performance and Gene Wilder’s impeccable comedic delivery. His love of the horror genre is evident through Marty Feldman’s hilarious take on Igor to the skewering of genre tropes, making an endlessly quotable treat for horror fans. “There, wolf!” No matter how often I hear that line, I’ll still burst out laughing. From Brooks’ horror contributions spoofing Hitchcock to producing David Cronenberg’s The Fly remake, his crowning accomplishment for the genre is still Young Frankenstein.

Blade (1998)

Director: Stephen NorringtonStars: Wesley Snipes, Stephen Dorff, Kris Kristofferson, N’Bushe WrightRuntime: 120 mins

I know we’re getting a new MCU-approved version of Blade in Mahershala Ali, but let’s not forget Wesley Snipes was doing the character justice back in 1998. With blood raves and ferocious vampire attacks, Stephen Norrington’s Blade is a more horror-focused film than we can assume will be the MCU’s version. There’s a slick industrial goth vibe, and Snipes is an everloving badass as the famed bloodsucker-hunter. The O.G. Blade cuts right to the stylish violence like a katana through butter, and in my opinion, only gets better with Blade II — which is also on Max if you’re in the mood for a double feature.

Graveyard Shift (1990)

Director: Ralph S. SingletonStars: David Andrews, Kelly Wolf, Stephen Macht, Andrew Divoff Runtime: 86 mins

Graveyard Shift is the best Stephen King film adaptation that showcases a gigantic bat-rat creature. It’s goopy and features stellar 90s practical effects, as workers in a rat-infested textile mill find themselves fighting for their lives while cleaning the building’s dangerously not-up-to-code basement. It’s got all the hallmarks of an entertaining creature feature as themes comment on the exploitation of blue-collar workers, blending small-town context with mutant animal attacks. Add in Brad Dourif as an eccentric exterminator and a sometimes goofy sense of humor (shout out to the fantastic “Surfin’ Safari” needle drop), and Graveyard Shift hits enough of the right notes to entertain horror fans.

The Meg (2018)

Director: Jon TurteltaubStars: Jason Statham, Li Bingbing, Rainn Wilson, Cliff Curtis, Winston ChaoRuntime: 113 mins

Hello! It’s me. An outspoken The Meg defender. I’m still baffled by its poor reception upon release. Maybe horror fans would have been more forgiving should the film have become an R-rated ocean of blood, but that’s wishful thinking. The Meg works well within its PG-13 confines as Jason Statham fights a megalodon, shows another dimension with cute romantic banter, and is more than just another of his action stereotype heroes. Plenty of shots convey how menacing and gigantic the titular “Meg” can be as nightmare fuel. Regarding summer shark attack flicks, The Meg is no guppie compared to the competition.

Blair Witch (2016)

Director: Adam WingardStars: James Allen McCune, Callie Hernandez, Corbin ReidRuntime: 89 mins

I know I’m in the minority here — proudly a part of the favorable 37% of Rotten Tomatoes critics — but when have I ever shied away from announcing my unpopular opinions? I rather enjoyed Adam Wingard and Simon Barrett’s Blair Witch requel. It’s atmospheric, plays around with found footage technology, and ends with a thrilling chase. The filmmakers continue expanding intellectual property with invigoration and witchy creatures while delivering the same level of horrific scares that made the original so famous. It gets more than a pass in my book, especially compared to the onslaught of poorly executed found footage dreck that seems to release weekly.

Evil Dead Rise (2023)

Director: Lee CroninStars: Lily Sullivan, Alyssa Sutherland, Morgan DaviesRuntime: 96 mins

Writer and director Lee Cronin does justice to the Evil Dead name with Evil Dead Rise. Somewhere between the knockout ferocity of 2013’s Evil Dead and the stooge-like comedy of Sam Raimi’s sequels is the scary yet snickery Evil Dead Rise. Alyssa Sutherland gives a Deadite performance that deserves mention alongside Jane Levy, warping a mother’s love into something demonic. It’s all blood splatters and sinister book passages, living up to the legendary horror franchise’s bloodcurdling legacy.

You’re Next (2011)

Director: Adam WingardStars: Sharni Vinson, Joe Swanberg, AJ Bowen, Barbara CramptonRuntime: 95 mins

I like You’re Next more every time I rewatch this interrupted reunion thriller. Adam Wingard assembles a cast of indie horror veterans as his victims against masked killers with crossbows, delivering a gory hunt-and-stalk game where you hide or die. A particular blender kill still infects my memories, only in the best way. Wingard’s such a dependable horror filmmaker (screenplay credit to Simon Barrett), and You’re Next might still be his best release to date.

Eight Legged Freaks (2002)

Director: Ellory ElkayemStars: David Arquette, Kari Wuhrer, Scarlett Johansson, Scott TerraRuntime: 99 mins

I don’t love spiders much, but I love an outrageous B-movie. Eight Legged Freaks is such a good B-movie that my dislike of arachnids isn’t enough to keep me from smiling as David Arquette and a cast of Arizona locals fight against chemically-boosted superspiders causing general havoc. Maybe the crude early 2000s animation makes it easier for me to laugh along as stealthy jumping spiders to a “tank” tarantula scamper around as these oversized monsters, channeling the likes of Them! Or Mosquito. If I can have a blast with this movie, not even peeking through my hands, then you can too.

Cast A Deadly Spell (1991)

Director: Martin CampbellStars: Fred Ward, David Warner, Julianne Moore, Clancy BrownRuntime: 96 mins

Cast a Deadly Spell feels like Gremlins meets H.P. Lovecraft meets a gumshoe detective noir. It’s a batty 90s monster movie starring Fred Ward as Harry Philip Lovecraft (wink wink), a man who refuses to use magic in a world filled with zombies and creatures. There’s commentary as the undead are used for hard labor and monster dynamics become social satire, but also tons of zaniness as gargoyles take nut shots as a cheap joke. From death by a thousand paper cuts to downpours of blood rain, Cast a Deadly Spell is a unique mystical caper that’s having a blast living its goofiest gangster lifestyle.

Insidious (2010)

Director: James WanStars: Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, Ty Simpkins, Lin Shaye, Leigh Whannell, Angus SampsonRuntime: 103 mins

The Conjuring might be James Wan’s best haunted house movie, but Insidious could be his scariest. Between The Further ghouls and “Tiptoe through the Tulips,” Wan proves a mastermind behind morphing the comforts of home into the devil’s playground. From Patrick Wilson to Rose Byrne, Lin Shaye to Leigh Whannell, Insidious is such an expertly cast horror movie that takes the familiar and makes it exceptional. We’re still talking about trailer shots like the red-faced demon behind Wilson because they’re that impressive, and that’s just in a few-minute glimpse. The rest of the film keeps pace with ease, giving The Conjuring a run for its money.

Cooties (2014)

Director: Jonathan Milott, Cary MurnionStars: Elijah Wood, Rainn Wilson, Alison Pill, Jack McBrayer, Leigh Whannell, Nasim PedradRuntime: 88 mins

Would you like to watch Elijah Wood, Jack McBrayer, and Leigh Whannell kill children? Don’t worry — they’re monster children who’ve been turned into what presents as zombies. Cooties is a hoot of a horror comedy that follows summer school teachers dealing with an unprecedented infection spreading throughout their classrooms thanks to contaminated chicken nuggets. Kids turn into feral demons that must be dealt with violently, as visuals hold nothing back whenever someone has to die (of any age). If you hate pipsqueaks, chances are you’ll love Cooties.

Child’s Play (1988)

Director: Tom HollandStars: Catherine Hicks, Chris Sarandon, Alex Vincent, Brad DourifRuntime: 87 mins

Bride of Chucky might be my favorite film in the famous killer doll franchise, but Child’s Play still fills more of my memories. The introduction of Chucky to Lil’ Donato’s life put me off watching horror movies for multiple years. Much like how Bruce (the shark) in Jaws keeps us waiting for his grand appearance, Child’s Play withholds Chucky until the perfect moment to pounce into view for maximum effect. It’s an absurd soul-transference premise that I eventually fell in love with thanks to Don Mancini’s further leans into comedic horror, starting with one of the most iconic O.G. slasher origins. I’ll never forget how gnarly that charred and barbequed Chucky gets at the end and how he’s seared into my nightmares.

The Menu (2022)

Director: Mark MylodStars: Ralph Fiennes, Anya Taylor-Joy, Nicholas Hoult, Hong Chau, John LeguizamoRuntime: 107 mins

Mark Mylod’s The Menu has a few of my “favorites” from 2022. The Menu is easily one of my favorite movies of the year, roasting the relationship between art, artist, and consumer over an open flame. Ralph Fiennes delivers one of my favorite actor performances as Chef Slowik, the mastermind behind each diner’s final dinner experience. It’s hilarious, it’s aggressive about thematic frustrations, and it skewers all parties involved — from culinary masters to Instagram wannabes. Thankfully it’s on HBO Max now, because I’m craving s’more watches.

Green Room (2015)

Director: Jeremy SaulnierStars: Anton Yelchin, Imogen Poots, Alia Shawkat, Patrick Stewart, Macon Blair, Mark WebberRuntime: 95 mins

Jeremy Saulnier hasn’t outdone himself since Green Room, where an opening band tells Nazi punks to ‘eff off and pay the price with their lives. Saulnier’s representation of violence is so brutal throughout his catalog, which is a trademark of Green Room. Innocent musicians find themselves fighting out of a white supremacist bar that’s been locked down like a backwoods fortress, and oh yeah, Patrick Stewart plays the skinhead leader. From Anton Yelchin to Imogen Poots to Macon Blair, Green Room is bursting with talent ready to become fodder for unchecked aggression. It is undoubtedly one of the scariest movies of its generation — mainly because it lays plain the inhumanity people can achieve.

From Dusk Till Dawn (1996)

Director: Robert RodriguezStars: Harvey Keitel, George Clooney, Juliette Lewis, Quentin Tarantino, Salma Hayek, Danny TrejoRuntime: 108 mins

From Dusk Till Dawn is one of those movies I don’t need an open IMDb tab for while I write. Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez’s mashup of styles ranks high in both their filmographies. George Clooney battles vampire strippers in an ancient bar tended by Danny Trejo? Music by “American chicano rock band” Tito & Tarantula? Everything about this sleazy, brow-sweat horror flick drips with booze, blood, and seduction, especially when Salma Hayek hypnotizes us with her center stage dance number. Once the fangs come out and Tom Savini fires back with his cod-piece shooter, it’s the best kind of midnighter chaos — although there’s rarely a scene where From Dusk Till Dawn disappoints.

The Fly (1986)

Director: David CronenbergStars: Jeff Goldblum, Geena Davis, John GetzRuntime: 96 mins

David Cronenberg’s remake of The Fly is an outstanding display of 80s horror artistry. Special effects morph sexy-as-ever Jeff Goldblum into a man-bug abomination, dripping with goop and slick with juicy ickiness. Geena Davis appears as Goldblum’s love interest as he begins to undergo his Brundlefly transformation, and their chemistry hits all the notes between mad scientist and innocent romantic. When horror fans reminisce about the good old days of practical effects, they’re talking about The Fly.

Barbarian (2022)

Director: Zach CreggerStars: Georgina Campbell, Bill Skarsgård, Justin Long, Richard BrakeRuntime: 102 mins

One of the wildest horror movies of 2022 hit HBO Max this month. Zach Cregger’s Barbarian opens as a riff on Airbnb horrors, but quickly proves — again and again — to be something incredibly uncontainable. What begins as tense banter between renters played by Georgina Campbell and Bill Skarsgård evolves into a no-holds-barred genre buffet that’s better experienced with no reveals. Justin Long interjects as Barbarian dares to express the meanest of streaks, as Cregger explores decades of evil without any safeguards. You can check my full review for more, but I’d suggest hitting play with blind eyes.

The Blob (1988)

Director: Irvin S. Yeaworth Jr.Stars: Steve McQueen, Aneta Corsaut, Earl Rowe, George KarasRuntime: 86 mins

It’s nice to know where your favorite horror remakes come from, like Chuck Russell’s 1988 The Blob. Irvin S. Yeaworth Jr.’s ‘50s The Blob is the story of an American town battling an unstoppable evil from outer space and depending on one another — neighbors are allies, and the town is their safety bubble. The blobby effects still hold up, and Pleasantville aesthetics are like opening a Hollywood time capsule, which is so much fun. If you’ve never given the oldies their time, why not give The Blob a stream and see how old-school filmmakers could still make magic without today’s technological advancements?

Cronos (1993)

Director: Guillermo del ToroStars: Federico Luppi, Ron Perlman, Claudio BrookRuntime: 94 mins

Guillermo del Toro’s feature debut is a vampire film barely interested in Dracula prototype vampires. No bitten necks or missing reflections in mirrors. Cronos is an alternative take on vampires that questions the imprisonment that is eternity and introduces common vampire mythology using a golden insect-shaped device. GDT directs the vampire movie of his dreams, challenging the way audiences comprehend familiar tropes in unfamiliar ways. Worth it for GDT’s ever-interesting perspective on humanity and his beginning collaboration with a babyfaced Ron Perlman playing some international goomba crime goon.

Take a look at all Guillermo Del Toro movies explained by the director himself.

Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990)

Director: Joe DanteStars: Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, John Glover, Christopher Lee, Dick MillerRuntime: 106 mins

Joe Dante’s Gremlins typically gets all the attention in the original + sequel combination, maybe only because Gremlins 2: The New Batch was ahead of its time in 1990. Wes Craven hadn’t yet popularized meta storytelling in horror with Scream, and audiences might have received Dante’s absurd creature follow-up with confusion. Gizmo and Billy Peltzer are back, taking the Big Apple by storm in a more outrageous, more insanity-fueled adventure that breaks fourth walls like it’s already in style. Hardly the continuation fans of Gremlins expected, but that doesn’t negate its value — who doesn’t want a Looney Tunes cartoon come to life with gremlins made of vegetables, electricity, and spider DNA? It’s crazy, it’s kooky, and ends with a massive Broadway dance number because everything else wasn’t bonkers enough. Dante and Warner Brothers took a massive swing with Gremlins 2: The New Batch, a film I’ll forever turn on when I’m in the mood for a pick-me-up puppet party that redefines the rigidity of how sequels must honor their beginnings.

The Lure (2015)

Director: Agnieszka SmoczynskaStars: Marta Mazurek, Michalina Olszanska, Kinga PreisRuntime: 92 mins

Agnieszka Smoczynska’s The Lure is one of the more remarkable horror debuts in recent memory. This bloodthirsty Polish mermaid musical balances levels of Eurotrash venue performances, aquatic folklore, and stylish creativity. Smoczynska shows her leads Silver and Golden as scaly mermaids, unlike beautified fantasies, and strikes gold as glitzy nightclub lust threatens mermaid ways of life. The Lure is one of those films that you need to see to believe — just a starburst of imagination that washes over audiences in the mood for lounge fishes pursuing careers, passion, and yummy humans.

Malignant (2021)

Director: James WanStars: Annabelle Wallis, Maddie Hasson, George YoungRuntime: 11 mins

If I didn’t put Malignant on this list, I feel like there’d be a riot. Jame Wan’s throwback to late 90s, early 00s horror where anything goes takes huge scripted swings on a studio budget. There’s bone-snapping action, gothic dread, Giallo lighting, and plenty of blood — a bit undefinable, but that’s why people love Malignant. In a time where horror’s so reliant on trends like haunted house crazes after The Conjuring or trauma-based storytelling after Hereditary, Malignant defies all expectations. Wan embraces camp, randomness, and unpredictability, which is so much fun to behold. Wan earned Malignant, and we deserve Malignant.

Looking for more good horror films to stream? You can also check out our lists of the best horror movies on Netflix , top horror movies on Amazon Prime, and the best thriller movies ever.